People living in a small Norfolk village claim they are "under attack" from housing developers. 

South Norfolk Council has approved controversial plans for 23 new properties off Norwich Road in Bracon Ash, near Mulbarton, which is currently home to less than 500 people. 

Locals had lodged hundreds of complaints over the development due to concerns about its impact on a tight-knit rural community. 

Steve Horton, representing a residents group in the village, said: "This is a unique place and it has grown organically over the years, fostering an individual identity.

"We are under attack from developers and they will destroy a distinctive Norfolk village."

The proposed site for the new homes in Bracon AshThe proposed site for the new homes in Bracon Ash (Image: Google Maps)

People living in Bracon Ash previously succeeded in foiling plans for 52 new homes due to concerns about the huge impact the estate would have had on the village's size.

The new development - which will consist of a mix of one to five-bedroom properties - could see around 60 people move to the village, which is a population increase of roughly 12pc to the Bracon Ash and Hethel area. 

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Bob McClenning, Lib Dem councillor for Mulbarton and Stoke Holy Cross, said: "Bracon Ash is already stretched for services. I don't think this will have any benefit to local people.

"This is a small, integrated village with the community at its heart. It faces an enormous increase in people moving here and it will break its back supporting them."

Concerns were also raised about the prospect of building homes on land which is prone to flooding and the proximity of the development to the busy B1113. 

Concerns have already been raised about inadequate drainage in the areaConcerns have already been raised about inadequate drainage in the area (Image: Contributed)

Ian Fox, owner of developer FW Properties, defended the proposals to South Norfolk council's planning committee.

He said: "This will be a positive addition to the village.

"While all planning applications are emotive and we understand the feelings of local residents, developments like this also provide opportunities for others."

The application was approved at a meeting on Wednesday.